A challenging suite for piano solo

Íslensk svíta, or Icelandic Suite, is a collection of 5 impressionist works for solo piano, written to commemorate the composer's time in Iceland. The suite is ideal for a university recital, a private concert, or even casual playing. You will enjoy the fresh harmonies, crisp sonorities, lilting rhythms, and captivating melodies in this work that pays homage to one of the most enchanting places on earth—Iceland.

Written in Terríson's characteristic "Scandinavian" style, Íslensk svíta is sure to entertain your audience and demonstrate your virtuosity as a pianist. And—who knows?—you might inspire a few people to book a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice!

About the movements

Morgunlag

Early fog and hidden bird calls, the "morning song" captures the anticipation of a frigid pre-dawn in the Land of Fire and Ice. The opening movement is rather sonorant and peaceful, with playful counterpoint and fingerings.

Dans

The "dance" is a fun, exotic piece in the rhythm of a distorted waltz. It symbolizes the ebb and flow of life in a sparsely populated country, isolated for centuries. Enjoy the challenge of tackling the 5/8 time signature.

Harma

This "lament" is a melancholic movement rife with whole tone scales and quartal harmonies. It's reminiscent, in a way, of Satie's Gymnopédies, and brings to mind a gloomy, rain-filled day—or, perhaps, downcast spirits.

Þjóðlag

The "folksong" is an arrangement of a traditional Icelandic tune, "Vísur vatnsenda-rósu." You'll be quite taken with the exotic and edgy harmonies, stop-and-start rhythms, and the playful variations of the original song.

Lofsálmur

The finale is a "hymn of praise," offered up by all that dwell (and have dwelt) on the breathtaking island. Your soul will be uplifted by the simply majestic passages and the stirring final few measures, contrasted beautifully by the dissonant middle "agitato" section.

Digital recordings of the suite may be found under the individual listings of the movements.